Common questions
Quick answers about lower abdominal pain, possible causes, and when to seek help.
What can cause lower abdominal pain?
Lower abdominal pain may be caused by menstrual cramps, ovulation, urinary infections, constipation, gas, pelvic infections, ovarian cysts, or sexually transmitted infections.
Could this be an STI?
Yes. Some STIs and pelvic infections can cause lower abdominal or pelvic pain, especially if there is discharge, burning when urinating, bleeding after sex, or fever.
Could it be a pelvic infection?
Yes. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or other infections can cause lower abdominal pain. These may need early treatment to prevent complications.
When should I get tested?
Consider testing if the pain is new, keeps coming back, or is linked with discharge, burning urination, sores, unusual bleeding, or recent unprotected sex.
When should I seek urgent medical help?
Seek urgent care if the pain is severe, sudden, one-sided, or comes with fever, vomiting, fainting, heavy bleeding, missed period, or pregnancy.
Will it go away on its own?
Mild pain may settle if the cause is minor, but ongoing or severe pain should be checked. Do not ignore pain that keeps returning or gets worse.
When to go to hospital
Severe or worsening pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, or pain with a possible pregnancy needs urgent in-person assessment. Sudden severe testicle pain is also an emergency. Do not assume pain is “just an STI” or wait for an online reply when you feel very unwell.
Pain low in your tummy can have several causes
Lower abdominal or pelvic pain can come from the bowel, bladder or reproductive organs. Period pain, constipation, urinary infection and pelvic infection are possibilities. The location alone cannot confirm the cause. Tell a clinician when the pain began, whether it is one-sided, and whether you have fever, vomiting, discharge or bleeding.